Artist Talk with Mera Reyes - June 6
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Therapeutic Storyteller has shared her performances and led workshops in countries like Spain, French Polynesia, EUA , England and Peru where her audiences experience moving and surprising journeys through her loving craft and singing voice. Her performances and workshops encourage participants to understand storytelling as a performing art through chromatic language, play, masks, dance, song, spontaneous creations and contact with the listener.
Mera speaks and sings fluently in English, Spanish. She trained as a professional storyteller at Emerson College (U.K, Sussex) and as a Therapeutic Storyteller in Boston, Massachusets at Merriam Hill Centre under the instruction of Nancy Mellon. Mera is also a Body Psychoterapist with a thesis on anxiety management . Has worked for Downstage Calgary , The High Performance Rodeo , The Arts Commons Education Program as facilitator, mentorship for The Calgary Shakespeare Company, Canadian Mental Health Association and ATA Summer Convention 2023 and Workshop leader for the Education Program at Mount Royal University October, 2023.
Mera currently works in her Opera Prima “The Strategy Of War “ Splendour and Magic of Aztec Mythology with the spectacular production of Downstage and collaboration of Arts Commons . As well, she is doing the groundwork to open her own School of Storytelling in Alberta.
Mera believes storytelling reinforces the importance of listening to one another and is a path for human development, inclusion, reconciliation, healing and understanding.
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Join award winning Mera Reyes for a 2 hour workshop and artist talk as she dives into her journey as a storyteller and her skills as a performer!
Location:
The Wellington Room
Hintonburg Community Centre
1064 Wellington St. W
Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y3
UPCOMING EVENTS
Story Café - June 9
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A Monthly Evening of Captivating Tales
Immerse yourself in the magic of live storytelling at Story Café, where voices come alive and stories take flight. Gather with us on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
This Pay-What-You-Can event features both seasoned and emerging tellers sharing an unforgettable mix of autobiographical stories, folk tales, and original narratives – there is truly something for everyone.
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The Strategy Of War: Aztec Mythology - June 7
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The Strategy of War: Magic and Splendor of Aztec Mythology is a powerful storytelling performance that breathes new life into the ancient creational myths of the Aztec empire. Accompanied by live percussion, Storyteller Mera Reyes draws on deep research, collaborating with indigenous artists, oral tradition leaders, and educators to restore these stories to their original oral form.
Once nearly erased after the Spanish conquest of 1519–1521, these myths endure as the spiritual heartbeat of Aztec culture, though they remain inaccessible to many today. This performance seeks to reclaim that heritage, inviting audiences into a world of poetic language, cosmic vision, and profound cultural memory—an experience that celebrates the enduring power of the Aztec story to be told by its own people once again.
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Our Story Begins
With Community
Ottawa StoryTellers is a vibrant collective of voices - professional tellers, emerging artists, and passionate listeners all brought together by a shared love of story. We celebrate the power of oral storytelling to connect, inspire, and build community across generations and cultures. From intimate performances to bold stage productions, our events invite audiences into the timeless magic of a well-told tale.
Ottawa StoryTellers brings stories to life all year long with a wide range of events and programs for every age and interest. Our professional season runs from October to June, featuring performances by some of the region’s most accomplished tellers in both classic and contemporary storytelling formats. Whether it’s an intimate evening at the Arts Court Theatre, a family-friendly performance at your local library, or a collaborative project with artists from across disciplines, our calendar is filled with opportunities to experience the power of spoken word in all its forms.
Beyond our mainstage shows, we also offer free and ticketed events, hands-on workshops, open mic nights, and community storytelling festivals that invite everyone to join in. From beginner storytelling workshops to monthly open mics where anyone can take the stage, to large-scale cultural celebrations, each event is designed to inspire connection, creativity, and a shared appreciation for the stories that shape us. Explore our upcoming events and discover what’s next in Ottawa’s vibrant storytelling scene.
We hope to see you at an upcoming show, workshop, or open mic soon. If you have any questions about our programming or need more information, please reach out to us at info@ottawastorytellers.ca.
June 7: The Strategy Of War: Aztec Mythology Artist: Mera Reyes
July 9: Adisoke - Featuring Abraham Francis and Jamie Morse
November 22: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village
Stay Connected With the Story
The stories don’t stop when the curtain falls. Follow Ottawa StoryTellers on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes moments, event announcements, and storytelling inspiration all year long. Join our growing online community and be part of the conversation.
Community Engagement:
Storytelling in Community
Storytelling brings people together by sharing experiences, histories, and perspectives that foster understanding and connection. In a community setting, it can inspire participation, strengthen relationships, and create a shared sense of identity.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Ottawa StoryTellers’ events and performances take place on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg. We respectfully acknowledge that they are the original caretakers of this land. Ottawa StoryTellers is not just acknowledging land; we’re acknowledging Indigenous cultures that have been telling stories since time immemorial. We are dedicated to working with our indigenous partners to honour and learn from their traditions.